If you’re in between your regular dental visits or you’re new to the Sault Ste. Marie area and haven’t been able to book in at a dentist in your area yet, it’s important to learn about proper dental habits to keep up your hygiene and health. Additionally, due to pandemic closures and lockdowns or quarantine protocols, your regular dentist may not have as many appointments available. Here are some of the best tips for making sure you stay on top of your oral health in between your dental check-ups.
Brush Twice a Day
One of the most basic, yet sometimes overlooked, dental tips is to brush your teeth twice a day. Brushing twice a day—once in the morning, and once at night—helps you remove any leftover food and bacteria that can become harmful plaque. Plaque damages your tooth enamel and can eventually harden to become tartar. Tartar, which is calcified plaque, traps stains onto your teeth and can create unseemly discoloration. Plaque could also eventually cause gum disease and infections. The symptoms of this include bleeding gums or painful, sensitive teeth.
Floss Every Day
Flossing is one of the top dental habits that people report skipping. However, it can also be one of the most impactful and important tips from your dentist when it comes to improving your oral health. Flossing—the right way—includes getting the floss deep in the pocket between your gums and your teeth. Try to “hug” the root of each tooth with your floss to ensure you’re getting the full effect. Flossing can prevent gum disease and ward off tooth decay. It can also fight bad breath by removing old food, bacteria, and plaque. If you floss, you can also help prevent disease from affecting other parts of your body, as bacteria can enter your blood stream through your gums.
Keep Your Diet and Habits in Check
Having a healthy, balanced diet can help you prevent numerous health problems, not just oral ones. Drinking too much coffee, soda, and other sugary drinks can stain your teeth or contribute to plaque buildup. You should also try to drink alcohol in moderation, as alcohol can be high in acidity and sugar which can harm your enamel and cause plaque. Other habits may hurt your health, too. In addition to stains on your teeth, many studies have showed how smoking could also be detrimental to your oral health, warns Altima Dental, a local dentist in Mississauga. When it comes to your diet, keep an eye on your intake of sweets and sugary foods. Opting to eat meals based in lean meats, yogurt, nuts, fruit, and vegetables can make a positive impact on your oral health.
The best thing you can do for your dental health is to find a dentist in your area to keep regular appointments with. In between these appointments, do the best you can to upkeep all the positive dental habits detailed above, and you should have excellent oral hygiene.